A few weeks ago, I was craving some super cute curls. Not that I don’t love my satin strips, I just wanted something a little different. So I sat around thinking — Curlformers? Nah, don’t feel like spending that much money. Flexi Rods? Eh, those didn’t work out as well as I wanted to, plus sleeping in them was something I wasn’t exactly looking forward to. Bantu knots? More sleep uncomfortable-ness + Jada Pinkett Smith syndrome. Then it dawned on me: what about a straw set?

So I took to YouTube, searching for straw sets done on longer hair….and the results were dismal. Sure, there are plenty of straw set tutorials out there, but none of the ladies had my same length of hair. The closest one to my length involved boba straws (no thanks, I might as well get Flexi Rods) — so I pretty much decided to venture into uncharted territory: a straw set on long, transitioning hair.

What I discovered in this process is that the straw set is a super-cute and completely viable option for bargain-hunting transitioners that want a taste of the full-curly experience. I am super impatient (ironic for a long-term transitioner, I know), but the straw set gave me a glimpse into my hair’s full potential…once this heat damage is obsolete.

Here is how my process went:

I started the night before with a dry finger detangle using my DIY fluffy styling cream. I also lathered on a bit more, so it could set overnight as a pre-poo treatment. I layered on a Target bag, a satin scarf, and called it a night.

I coiled the end of each section of hair around the straw, making sure the ends of my hair faced upward toward the top of the straw (for extra security). After twisting the straw around about 1/3 of the way, I went back and secured the end with a small bobby pin. Once the hair was coiled around the straw and close to my scalp (but not too tight or pulling), I secured the top of the straw with a large bobby pin.

Because it took forever to do (almost 4 hours), and I wasn’t heavy-handed with product, I only sat under the dryer for about an hour just to make sure everything was dry. Once that was complete, I lathered DIY fluffy styling cream on my hands and removed all bobby pins and straws. Note: you may want to wait a few minutes before removing bobby pins. I definitely burned my fingertips a few times.

At this crossroads in the game, I laid it down for the night. I left my 90 curls in tact with plans to separate them the next day.

After gymming the next day, I took to the task of separating each curl. To get a more fluffy, less defined, big hair fro-esque look, I separated each curl into 3 or 4 different curls, with my hands slathered in DIY fluffy styling cream. Yes, it took forever.

Shake and go!

The curls look something like this before they’re separated. I kinda felt like I had locs for a (half) day.
Post fluff and shake, I was working with this for a few days:

I call my straw set a recession-proof style because it is one of the most effective uniform curl-setting styles out there. You probably already have a bobby pin arsenal, and straws are $2 or $3, tops.

Born, raised, and living in Los Angeles, Christina is BGLH's resident transitioning expert and product junkie. In addition to loving all things hair, she is a fitness novice and advocate of wearing sandals year-round. For more information on transitioning, natural hair, and her own hair journey, visit maneobjective.com. Or, if you like pictures follow Christina on Instagram @maneobjective.

NINIA PRUITT HAS A VIDEO AND TONS OF STYLES FOR TRANSITIONING HAIR, SHE WENT PASS 2YRS I BELIEVE AND HER HAIR WAS AND STILL IS LONG

TINA SMITH

*NINA*

Kayla

That’s great, but why are you screaming?

Andrea

Looks like a lot of work, but worth it in the end! Your hair came out gorgeous! I’m definitely gonna try it.

Cisca

wow nice love it

http://www.prettypositiveprosperous.com jenna marie christian

beautiful! if i can get over my laziness i’d love to give it a try.

Keshia

Really pretty!! I love it, might try this when my hair gets longer.

http://napfrocurlzgirl.blogspot.com napfrocurlzgirl

Really pretty, but I don’t think I’d have the patience to fluff each curl. I’d also need to find straws as long as flexirods.

ta ney-ney

people slay me thinking that their natural curls are going to turn out like a straw set. you might get loose strands or some really kinky tight curls ….. or everything between. just manipulate your hair so it can look like whatever you want. i think some people go natural thinking they are going to look like Chilli or Halle Berry smh, gir stoppp!

#thatisall

Krystal

People “slay” me when they are so negative. You have no idea of the texture of each individuals natural hair. “Gir stoppp”

CheriD

Thank you so much for this post. I heard of this style for transitioning, but didn’t understand how to keep the straws in. Makes sense to use bobby pins.

I have been transitioning since September 2012 and its difficult. I’m not ready to do to the big chop but I’m ready to cut off a inch or two. I have been doing blow outs because the curly roots and straight ends really frustrate me.

Nys

This style was very different for me. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to elongate the the curls. Mine came out very tight. It was different. I have a big head lol so not sure if this was a great style for me unless I can make the curls longer. And how did you make them last, btw??
[img]http://blackgirllonghair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo.JPG[/img]

Just got to know about this yesterday.I would love to try it on my hair and see how it turns out.

sharri

next time you do this style you should make a video tutorial!

amanda

This style is awesome. I tried it and had it in for 2 weeks. The part i ddn’t know however was how badly tangled my hair would be afterwards. Please anyone with BEST tips for detangling this style on transitioning,dry,4c hair??? Thanks alot

Msmee04

Before washing your hair let conditioner set on your hair for awhile to loosen your curls.